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William Rowlands Obituary
William A. Rowlands
Resident of San Jose
11/17/1927 - 09/03/2010
Passed away at the VA Hospice, Palo Alto, 82 years. Born in Deloit IA, only child of Pearl (Hultgren) and Ivor Rowlands.
Bill was a Salesman with AM Corp and Welty Way. In 1973 moved to San Jose. Bill retired in 1982 and volunteered on the SS Jeremiah O'Brien in San Francisco in the Deck Dept. A highlight: In 1994 Bill went to Normandy on the JOB. The ship visited Paris, London, and sailed along East coast before heading home. Joined the SUP and sailed on container ships out of Oakland until 78 years of age. His many friends on the JOB were family to him.
Survivors: wife Mary; Robert (Kathy) Rowlands, Hollister; Debra Rowlands, Halcyon; Howard (Carole) Haensel, Saratoga; Alan Haensel, San Jose and 4 grandchildren.
Buried in Los Gatos Memorial Park. Memorial pending. Contribution to the SS Jeremiah O'Brien appreciated. National Liberty Ship Memorial, SS Jeremiah O'Brien, 1275 Columbus Avenue, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94133 www.ssjeremiahobrien.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Rowlands
2 Entries
Alan Walter Haensel
September 1, 2025
Love you Dad and always miss you!
Alan Haensel 64 years old now...
Vickie Prier-Garwood
December 28, 2010
Deb, I just learned about the passing of your father today. Please know that you continue to hold a special place in my heart. Prayers to you and your family fellow Iowa State buddy...
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